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On Draft: Nitro-Infused Beverages
Nitrogen elevates the flavor profile of a beverage, emulates sweetness, and has a creamy finish without adding calories.
Consumers have been intrigued by the velvety, luxurious texture that nitrogen infusions provide. Here are top trends in nitro-infused beverages — and what you can expect to taste in the future.
- Craft Beers
- Coffee
- Tea
- The Future of Nitro
Craft Beers
Guiness introduced nitrogen-infused beers to the world, but many craft brewers are using nitrogen to enhance taste and mouthfeel of stouts and ales.
According to Ball Corporation — who developed Ball’s Widget Inside™ can for RTD nitrogen-infused beverages — more than 95% of beer drinkers, enjoy nitrogen-infused beers.
Coffee
Cold brew coffee sales grew 80% YOY in early 2017, according to Sales Logic.
Within that category is nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee, which Four Square reported grew 172% YOY in the first half of 2017.
Many brands offer a nitro-infused cold brew coffee option, including Rise Brewing Co., Stumptown, and Calfiia Farms.
It’s also offered on tap at many third wave coffee shops, Starbucks and select Dunkin Donuts stores — which speaks to the product’s popularity.
La Colombe introduced the first ever Draft Latte that are available on tap at their cafes, and in an RTD.
Starbucks Reserve in Seattle introduced a nitrogen-infused milk that is mixed with their nitro cold brew.
Expect more brands to experiment with nitrogen-infused milks, and to see nitrogen-infused chocolate milks and other indulgent flavors in the future.
Tea
Nitrogen-infusions are one of the latest trends in tea.
B Sweet and Caveman Coffee are a couple of the brands that offer RTD teas in a nitro-infused can.
Nitrogen-infused teas are also showing up on menus.
Alfred Tea Room in Los Angeles is experimenting with a variety of nitro teas, including most recently, Chaga Chip (almond milk, cashew milk, cinnamon, cacao, chaga mushroom)
The Future of Nitro
mbibe is developing products that introduce the next generation of nitro-infused beverages to brands. Expect to see nitrogen-infused products in categories like juice, protein beverages, pre-mixed cocktails and more.
